Helping Those Who Help Those In Need

Employees and physicians at Franciscan Physicians Hospital worked to raise $8,050 for the St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home, a residential treatment center for abused, neglected, and abandoned children in East Chicago.

The Carmelite Home recently endured significant state funding cuts, limiting the number of children they are able to care for. This treatment center, which previously took in as many as 105 children, is now caring for only 35. These funding cuts have moved children from the Carmelite Home to foster care throughout the region and have left diminished resources and financial obligations a still prominent struggle.

Janet Rolley, Service Excellence Committee chair,
Sister Maria Giuseppe, Carmelite Home administrator,
and Barb Greene, Franciscan Physicians Hospital president.

Efforts to raise money included week long events like dress down Friday, a Mexican Fiesta, bake sale, department basket raffle, movie basket raffle and breakfast rounding cart. Physician donations were also taken to contribute to the fundraising event.

Barb Greene, president of Franciscan Physicians Hospital, notes that she is proud of her staff and physicians and she is proud to be part of an organization that encourages helping those less fortunate. “My staff all has large hearts and are very generous. They are moved to help those in need. They are genuine people and I am proud of their efforts here. Christ’s ministry continues through the work of their hands.”

Pictured: 7 of the 8 East Chicago Carmelite Home Sisters pose with
Janet Rolley and Barb Greene after receiving the $8,050 check.

The fundraising campaign was headed by the hospital’s Service Excellence Committee. Janet Rolley, chair of the Service Excellence Committee, states “I am very humbled by the generosity of our staff and doctors. They saw a need and gave unselfishly. I am appreciative of the donations businesses made to help us in our efforts to raise funds for the Carmelite Home. Some businesses donated money, others were able to donate items or give us reduced pricing." Special thanks go to the businesses that donated/reduced prices on items for our fundraising efforts.

These businesses include:

• Gus Bock’s Ace Hardware, Dyer
• Accents on 45th
• Albanese Candy
• All That Glitters
• Baum’s Natural Foods
• Butterfingers
• Calumet Bakery
• Costco
• Howard & Sons
• Jewel-Osco
• La Chiquita
• Pepsi Co.
• Schilling Lumber
• Strack & Van Til
• The Charley Horse
• The Great Frame Up
• Typsy Cake
• The Liquor Stop
• Tipsy Cake
• Howard’s Meats

Pictures of the Fundraiser

Left: Hospital employees enjoy a Mexican Fiesta luncheon. All items were bought or donated with all proceeds going toward the cause!

Bake sale items were displayed throughout an afternoon for employees to purchase.

Hospital departments made baskets, which were raffled off on Friday afternoon.

From the CEO's Desk: "Advancement & Growth at Franciscan Alliance"

Submitted by Gene Diamond, chief executive officer of Franciscan Alliance's Northern Indiana Region. This was also published in the 2011 Quality & Innovation special section of The Times of Northwest Indiana newspaper.

The hospitals that serve Franciscan Alliance's Northern Indiana Region continue to be at the forefront of innovation, not only in their nationally and locally recognized provision of health care, but in management and fiscal practices that help us operate efficiently – and lead to growth.

That growth is evident in our recent acquisitions of Calumet Surgery Center of Munster and Hammond Clinic's three area locations.

Our latest advances in care are numerous. Examples include:

• Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City is scheduled to open a new, state-of-the-art Cancer Treatment Center next April. The 20,000-square-foot facility will combine the most advanced technologies. What's more, the hospital recently was recognized by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancerwith an Outstanding Achievement Award.
• Franciscan St. Anthony Health will open a Chesterton Health and Emergency Center early next year that will include onsite laboratory, MRI and CT scans, primary care and 24-hour emergency coverage.    
• Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point recently opened a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Early next year, the hospital will open a 27,000-square-foot outpatient surgery center at its Franciscan Point health complex located along U.S. 231, near Interstate 65. In late fall, it is expected to open a revamped and relocated Radiology Oncology Department that will be the new home of a linear accelerator, which will make cancer treatment more efficient and effective.
• Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer and Hammond just opened a Family Birthing Center at its Dyer Campus, in addition to the obstetrics unit at the Hammond Campus. It also offers what has been called the "quintessential" wound care center in the Chicago area – the Wound Healing and Prevention Institute. Its Bariatric Institute likewise offers unsurpassed care.
• Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster is the first in Indiana to purchase the Trabectome minimally invasive glaucoma treatment program that provides better treatment through reduced risk and cost effectiveness. It likewise offers a new catheterization laboratory that provides the latest equipment for interventional cardiology and endovascular procedures.

Our advancements are made possible by employing the smartest and most efficient business practices, needed more than ever with the challenges brought by health care reforms that threaten the very existence of some hospitals.

Enter Lean and Six Sigma, a nationally recognized set of business and management practices we have followed since 2005 to help eliminate defects in processes and assure utmost efficiency. Our advancements are too numerous to list, but Dr. Paul Strange, Franciscan Alliance corporate vice president of quality, sums it up well: "Lean and Six Sigma models for process improvement and elimination of waste in health care mean improvements in the quality of our care, making our systems safer and cost effective."

Yes, the changes brought by latest health care reforms present the greatest challenges we have faced.

But our culture of care, advancement and working as efficiently as possible, will prove invaluable in weathering the storm.

Autism Awareness: Americans Asking for Answers

Autism is a word that has grown to hold significant meaning and worry for future generations. Today, the word autism can be heard almost anywhere. From presumptuous causes to the future of cures, autism is speaking loud and clear.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital investigates the available evidence to provide some facts, statistics, and advocacy routes for those looking to learn more about autism.

What is Autism?

Autism, according to autismspeaks.org, is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).

Disorders in this group can include Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Some refer to this group more simply as Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Characteristics of autism are most often found in behavior, and can be seen from infancy with more obvious symptoms during early childhood. Developmental screenings are utilized to screen for possible autism with the child’s doctor asking questions about their growing and learning progress.

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) lists five behaviors that signal further evaluation should be taken:

• Does not babble or coo by 12 months
• Does not gesture by 12 months
• Does not say single words by 16 months
• Does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months
• Has any loss of any language or social skill at any age.

These signs do not mean your child has autism; they only stand out as possible indicators. A multidisciplinary team can provide deeper investigation into behavioral abnormalities.

The Statistics

Based on autismspeaks.org statistics, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism. Further, an estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism, with government statistics suggesting that the prevalence rate is increasing 10-17% annually.

The Autism Society estimates that autism has an annual cost of $60 billion and that the cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.



What causes Autism?

No single cause is determined to cause autism. The vast majority of autism cases are not traceable to any definitive cause due to different levels of severity and combination of symptoms.

Researchers are finding that it’s most likely there are a number of causes for autism, with each case having its own various combinations. Multiple genetic components and timing of exposure during the child’s development may also play a role in the development or final presentation of the disorder.

Cases that are distinguished to have causes are small in number. These cases are linked to genetic disorders such as Tuberous Sclerosis, Fragile X, and Angelman’s Syndrome. Other cases are linked to the exposure of infectious or chemical environmental agents during pregnancy.

One thing is clear: autism is not caused by bad parenting, contrary to initial belief in the early 1940’s and 50’s. Dr. Bernard Rimland, founder of the Autism Society of America and the Autism Research Institute, helped develop and communicate this to the medical community in the 1960’s and 70’s.

Treatment options

Some children with autism tend to respond to a gluten-free or casein-free diet. Though a review of studies on this topic in 2008 didn’t find any evidence of diet affecting response, some parents say they do see a difference in behavior.

Other studies suggest that vitamin B6 and vitamin C may help some children. Studies of the vitamin B6 used doses that were higher than the recommended amount and potentially toxic. These should only be administered under doctor’s supervision. Vitamin C supplements may help improve behavior, but studies were not entirely conclusive.

Touch therapy and massage are alternative treatment options for some children with autism. Research shows that fewer symptoms were seen in children who had undergone several weeks of touch therapy.

Other treatment options include art, music, and pet therapy. Each of these provides an opportunity for the child to develop social and communication skills.

For more information regarding autism, visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/, autism-society.org, or visit our complete online health library.

FREE Patient Education Classes at Franciscan Hammond Clinic!

Franciscan Hammond Clinic, the newest member of the Franciscan Alliance, is continually working to keep our community healthy. Through patient education, their health care facility supports the notion that an empowered mind promotes an empowered body.

Join Franciscan Hammond Clinic for these free classes in September and October at their specialty center location: 7905 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321.

September

Diabetes Support Group: Managing Diabetes
Thursday, September 8th, 6:30 p.m.
You don't have to be alone on your journey to successfully managing your diabetes! Come listen to A1C champion, an individual who will speak of personal experiences and accomplishments in controlling diabetes!

Weight Management Class
Monday, September 12th, 6:30 p.m.
Are you considering weight reduction surgery? The Franciscan Hammond Clinic has an ongoing weight management class for those interested in weight loss through bariatric surgery. The class meets each second Monday of the month and is free of charge to participants. A one time fee of $25 is accessed for the book and supplies. Physician referral is required.

Get the Facts About the Flu
Monday, September 19th, 5 p.m.
With the onset of flu season, learn the facts on the best way to protect yourself against it by attending this talk with Franciscan Hammond Clinic Physicians Brian Jacover, DO. Find out the symptoms, treatment and vaccinations available to help make this flu season easier on you and your family!

Stroke Awareness
Tuesday, September 20th, 6 p.m.
Stroke can happen to you or those around you at anytime and fast! Attend this talk by Franciscan Hammond Clinic neurologist, Aisha Shareef, MD, to learn the warning signs of stroke and how timely medical attention can ease the outcome.

Alzheimer's Support Group
Thursday, September 22nd, 6 p.m.
Attend this seminar to learn more about how to work with loved ones afflicted by Alzheimer's disease. Affiliated with the Alzheimer's Association.

Overactive Bladder
Monday, September 26th, 6 p.m.
Overactive bladder is a medical condition that can affect anyone at any age. This condition is identified with symptoms such as leaks, strong sudden urges to go, and going to the bathroom too often. Attend this talk with Franciscan Hammond Clinic urologist Jay Hwang, MD, to learn more about the cause and treatment of Overactive Bladder.

October

Weight Management Class
Monday, October 10th, 6:30 p.m.
Are you considering weight reduction surgery? The Franciscan Hammond Clinic has an ongoing weight management class for those interested in weight loss through bariatric surgery. The class meets each second Monday of the month and is free of charge to participants. A one time fee of $25 is accessed for the book and supplies. Physician referral is required.

Discussion Support Group: Diabetes and the Skin
Thursday, October 13th, 6:30 p.m.
Diabetes can affect every part of the body, including the skin. As many as one third of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by this disease. Join Franciscan Hammond Clinic Dermatology department nurse practitioner Vicki Lackey as she discusses these issues and provides tips to help you care for your skin. There will be a demonstration of blood glucose meters. Light refreshments provided. Sponsored by Bayer Healthcare.

Alzheimer's Support Group
Thursday, October 27th, 6 p.m.
Attend this seminar to learn more about how to work with loved ones afflicted by Alzheimer's Disease. Affiliated with the Alzheimer's Association.

Nicotine Cessation Seminar
Saturday, October 29th, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Les us help you kick the smoking habit! Join us for this FREE seminar on nicotine cessation presented by Pat Konvalinka, nurse practitioner from the Franciscan Hammond Clinic pulmonary department.

To register, call (219)836-3600 or 1-800-279-8700.

Hours are Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 8 a.m. to noon

Unless specified otherwise, all classes are held in the 3rd floor meeting room.

Register for any of our these classes at hammondclinic.com.

Back-to-School Safety Tip: "Lighten that Backpack Load"

It's back to school for most area kids. Did you know that children carrying overloaded and improperly worn backpacks are likely to experience neck, shoulder, and back pain?

Here are a few safety tips to help children "lighten the load":

• Backpacks should weigh no more than 15% of a child's body weight.
• Load heaviest items closest to the child's back.
• Wear both shoulder straps and waist belt for an evenly balanced load. Straps should be well-padded and adjusted properly.
• Check what your child carries to school and brings home to make sure the items are necessary for the day's activities.
• If the backpack is too heavy, consider using a book bag on wheels.

Have a safe, enjoyable school year!

For more health and wellness information, visit our Online Health Center for Parents and Kids.

Mallwalkers Learn to Balance Aging with Strength, Control

A healthy number of participants received lessons in balance and strength control, as they relate to the aging process, during the Aug. 24 Franciscanfit Mallwalkers program at Westfield Southlake Mall in Hobart.

Jane Bogordos, exercise physiologist at Omni 41 Health and Fitness Connection in Schererville, discussed the benefits of balance and core strength and led audience members in related exercises, including a number using a seated ball, during the program.

In case you missed it...here is a video recap:

Pulmonary function screenings were offered by Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point.

The program, sponsored by Franciscan Alliance hospitals in northern Indiana, takes place from 8 to 10 a.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month on the mall’s lower level, outside of the JC Penney store.

For more information, call (219) 931-3322.

Soldier Care Package Recap: Thank You!

A special thanks to all who participated in our soldier care package collection! Your contributions made this event surpass our initial expectations and we’re looking forward to hosting such an event again in the future.

Overall, we packaged 58 large flat rate boxes to be sent to soldiers serving in Iran and Afghanistan. Each box weighs roughly 14 lbs, putting our total weight at over 800 lbs! Boxes are being shipped out this week from the FHC St. John location.

Each package contained items from the initial collection list, including lotion, Chap Stick, drink additives, playing cards, pen and paper, and books, among other items. Before packaging began, items were categorized by tables of hygiene, entertainment, food, and clothing to simplify the packing process.

Each box was packed with a personal note saying who the box was from (FPH and FHC) and wishing the soldier a safe and quick return home.

We would like to thank hospital and clinic employees, along with the public, for all of their contributions toward this effort. Further thanks go to C.A.M.P. (Caring About Military Personnel) for their $120 donation toward shipping costs, and Immanuel United Church of Christ.